backwater

2. N-COUNT : usu with supp

If you refer to a place or institution as a backwater, you think it is not developing properly because it is isolated from ideas and events in other places and institutions.

• Britain could become a political backwater with no serious influence in the world.

... cobuild

2. A place or situation regarded as isolated, stagnant, or backward:

• "The running of family fortunes has always been a backwater--albeit a lucrative one--of the investment management business" (Business Week).

.... Am-Heritage

***

1. a body of water that was created by a flood or tide or by being held or forced back by a dam; "the bayous and backwaters are breeding grounds for mosquitos"

body of water, water - the part of the earth's surface covered with water (such as a river or lake or ocean); "they invaded our territorial waters"; "they were sitting by the water's edge"

2. a place or condition in which no development or progress is occurring; "the country is an economic backwater"

region - a large indefinite location on the surface of the Earth; "penguins inhabit the polar regions"

.... http://www.thefreedictionary.com/backwater